Thursday, February 25, 2010

Inspired by timeless, classic design and artisanship throughout the centuries, Timothy Oulton is constantly testing the boundaries of furniture design to bring an eclectic, elegant aesthetic to his collection of furnishings and home goods. With a history steeped in antiques (his father Major Phillip Oulton started Halo antiques in England in 1976), Timothy's knowledge of ageless craftsmanship combined with a remarkable attention to detail ensures that each piece reverberates with the right balance of tradition and innovation.

We met Tim and his lovely wife Emma for lunch this week at Blue Water Grill to talk about his company as well the opening of his exclusive boutique on the 4th floor of ABC Carpet and Home here in New York. With a heart as big as his smile, Tim has a grand personality without grandstanding. He also possesses a true passion for life, family, his business and the history it represents. We shared quite a few laughs over lunch and enjoyed learning more about the company as well as where he gets his inspiration (mainly British flea markets) and the process of how each piece is realized. Each product is handcrafted from a team of dedicated craftsmen using only the best techniques and fabrications – a tribute to the company's antiques heritage. Irregularities are protected rather than rejected, and individuality is cherished rather than banished.What's even more incredible is that he can deliver these seemingly worn and torn products with fantastic quality at what we consider a relatively low cost.

You might recognize some of his pieces from a few retailers he already manufactures collections for including Restoration Hardware,Andrew Martin,Chehoma and Flamant. But the new 2,000 square-foot showroom opening here in New York is what Tim is most excited about. After lunch we walked over to ABC to see the new space and it looked fantastic, especially being able to see the collection in it's entirety. It's always refreshing to find a new resource you can get excited about, but even more satisfying when you know the person behind the vision is a genuinely warm and friendly chap such as Mr. Oulton himself. If you're in New York be sure and stop by ABC to see the entire collection or you can check everything out online by clicking here. Hope you enjoy the weekend!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Very busy here at DT this week so this is going to be brief. We just wanted to remind you that the Whitney Museum's Biennial starts this Thursday, February 25th and runs through Sunday, May 30th. This year marks the 75th edition of the Whitney's signature exhibition, and showcases work from almost 60 talented artists including Brooklyn painter Sarah Crowner. One of the fascinating aspects about Crowner's work above is that these large geometric patterns aren't created with paint alone, but rather stitched together with pieces of canvas and linen – pretty crafty! To learn more about the Biennial and see a preview of what to expect click here! Looks like it will be a fantastic show.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Last week was a bit of a hectic week with work, events, previews and openings. But we are mindful of the opportunity we have to be exposed to new products and resources. And when we're excited about something, we're always happy to share the news. On this occasion we were invited by one of our favorite lighting firms, The Urban Electric Co., to see their newest collection executed by interior designer Richard Mishaan (photos below). As you can see from the above images, Urban offers a beautiful range of lighting that can be used in various applications regardless of whether a room is modern, traditional, formal or casual. With Mishaan's contributions this is also true, but his designs – much like his interiors – have a more modern slant. You can see more of his work and his furniture collection by clicking here.

Based in Charleston, South Carolina UECo prides itself on subtle design, uncompromising craftsmanship and impeccable service. Some other designers who have done collections for them include D.C. based designer Darryl Carter and our good friend here in New York, Tom Scheerer. In addition, they offer a bespoke program that allows clients a unique opportunity to create individual lighting for their distinctive styles and needs.

We had a fantastic time visiting with Richard and the folks from Urban Electric at his expansive Tribeca studio where the event was held. The fun continued well into the night with an intimate and delectable dinner around the corner at the Argentinean restaurant Estancia 460 (order the steak). Be sure and check out the rest of Urban's collection here and get an exclusive look at some of Mishaan's new collection below.(to see pictures of the event click here!)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Last Thursday night we had the opportunity to attend a private party for Bill Solfield, who was celebrating the launch of his newest furniture collection for Baker. Held at Sofield's vast office in Nolita, this was more than a party, it was a happening. Decadent, glamorous and stylish are just a few words to describe this magical evening that felt as though we had stepped back in time .... we just weren't sure whether we'd landed in the 30's or the 90's. It didn't matter because it was an unbelievable soiree that we still can't stop thinking about. Starting with the 400 pound gold fish bowl hanging above the entrance (second photo above) to the hundreds of live monarch butterflies perched throughout the space, upon arrival you knew this wasn't your ordinary party. This only became more clear once you moved through the various rooms and caught a glimpse of sights such as the albino boa constrictor slithering about the dark, fur blanket in the "bedroom." Colored cigarettes were placed throughout (smoking encouraged), there was plenty to eat and drink and the music alternated between live musicians and a truly gifted deejay. Guests included everyone from Hamish Bowles to Tinsley Mortimer to Brian Atwood and of course the man of the hour himself, Bill Sofield. We really did have an amazing time and our good friend Kevin Tachman from Backstage@ did a remarkable job capturing the spirit of the evening with these beautiful photographs. Sofield's newest collection will soon be available at Baker, but lucky for you Design Therapy is able to give you a sneak preview below. Hope you enjoy...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Friday, February 12, 2010

Last night we had the pleasure of attending a sneak preview of an incredible new art exhibition by street artist Mr. Brainwash (aka MBW). The show officially opens on Valentine's Day at 3:00 pm and if you're in New York we strongly encourage you to stop by. Housed in a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse in the meatpacking district (we're not allowed to give the address yet...), the vast show entitled ICONS features a huge number of MBW's work which is heavily influenced by Andy Warhol, but also pokes fun at pop art, pop culture and the art world itself. He's immortalized everyone from Madonna (you may recognize his work from her last Greatest Hits Collection Celebration), to Charlie Chaplin, to President Obama (in drag) and even Mark Zuckerberg the kid who started facebook. It was an amazing party and an epic show and one definitely worth checking out. By the way...the first 300 people to arrive on Sunday receive a free hand finished screen print-you'll have to stay tuned to the MBW website for the address (the website itself is pretty entertaining.) To learn more about the artist and to see some of his other work click here. Have a great weekend!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Yesterday we had a blizzard here in New York that lasted the entire day, but the one ray of sunshine came when we remembered the newest issue of Lonny magazine was out. Fortunate enough to be featured in the last one, we were eager to see what this 3rd issue had in store. Founders Michelle Adams and Patrick Cline have done another great job this time around and the one story that really got our attention was Kelly Wearstler's redesign of the Beverly Hills Avalon Hotel. We're always impressed with Wearstler's bold aesthetic and feel like she designed a space that's not only sexy and stylish but one that would make the late Gio Ponti proud. We highly recommend you click here to read the article in it's entirety and to also check out the rest of Lonny's latest issue. (Above photos by Patrick Cline).